Cala Macarella: Menorca's cove ranks in the global top 15

Cala Macarella: Menorca's cove ranks in the global top 15

Why a sheltered, small cove attracts international attention

If you drive from Ciutadella toward the coast on a mild May day, the pines are the first thing you notice — a slightly resinous scent that clings to the roadside of the PM‑V access road. Shortly afterward the cove opens up: a horseshoe-shaped stretch of sea that gleams in deep turquoise. It is precisely this mix of rock, pine forest and clear water that has earned Cala Macarella a place on the current The World’s 50 Best Beaches list; the portal ranks the cove twelfth worldwide.

For those of us on the islands this means more than a pretty label. The criteria that went into the ranking — water quality, scenic setting, wildlife, accessibility and the overall on-site experience — describe pretty well what visitors appreciate about this corner of Menorca. The cove is sheltered, often calm, the sea like a mirror when no wind ripples the surface.

What you don't see in a photo are the small local rituals. Families spreading their towels early in the morning, older couples strolling at the water's edge, and the fishing boats slowly passing in the distance. The sound is not a great roar but rather the rustle of pine branches and the distant clatter of a landing jetty. Such details complete the experience — and it is precisely this feeling that has made the cove known to visitors worldwide.

Interestingly, only one other Spanish beach appears on the overall list: Playa de Cofete on Fuerteventura, which ranks much lower. Mallorca's beaches are not represented this time. For Menorca this is a small stage: the island, often described as a quieter counterpoint to Mallorca, suddenly finds Cala Macarella in the spotlight of international beach lovers.

What does this mean in concrete terms for visitors and residents? First: make use of the attention, but do so carefully. Those who go should plan their visit — arriving early avoids heavy crowds, and a walk along the edge of the cove rewards with quiet corners. Boats offer a different perspective; seeing the cove from the water shows how strongly the rocks and pine green shape the impression.

And for the island economy such a listing can bring impulses: more overnight stays in the shoulder season, demand for sustainable local offerings, small restaurants in towns like Ciutadella that benefit from guests looking beyond the large hotel complexes. The important thing is that this growth is accompanied by consideration for the protected area and the neighborhood — safety aspects and trust in local services also play a role, as current debates show (safety ranking).

A practical tip: visit Cala Macarella in the early evening, when the sun is lower and the water still gives off warmth. If desired, combine the outing with a walk on the coastal path or a café stop in the old town lanes of Ciutadella — the atmosphere there is usually relaxed, and the street cafés fill with regulars and curious holidaymakers.

The list itself sets global accents: the top spot is a remote beach island in the Philippines, and other places are spread across Africa, Asia and Latin America. This shows how diverse what we perceive as a “dream beach” can be. For Menorca the ranking is more an invitation than a verdict: the cove remains the same, but now more people know where it is.

Finally, a small request from the editorial team: those who visit Cala Macarella should bring consideration. Avoid litter, stick to the paths, support local providers — these are simple rules that preserve the image of the cove. If we manage that, the cove will remain a place to breathe for locals and guests — and perhaps one day appear high on another list again.

Outlook: Rank twelve is a signal, not a verdict. For Menorca this can mean: sustainable tourism, greater appreciation for protected coasts and the chance to attract visitors to the quieter sides of the island.